Our Red Bourbon is a speciality coffee unlike any other in Kona.Coffee Origin
Coffee Farm in Kona, Hawai‘i
ABOUT RED BOURBON
Most gourmet coffees throughout the world are classified as Arabica, one of the four main species of coffee. Almost all of the coffee grown in Kona is an Arabica variety called Kona Typica, because it was developed here and has taken on its own distinctive flavor profile.
Bourbon coffee is a different variety of Arabica, and is considered to be one of the most culturally and genetically important varieties of Arabica coffee in the world.
Though it shares the same name as the American whiskey, the coffee variety is usually pronounced “boor-BOHN”, which follows French pronunciation more closely.
Bourbon, like all coffee, originated in Ethiopia. It first traveled to Yemen in the 17th century. From there, French missionaries carried the seeds to Bourbon Island just east of Madagascar (now called La Réunion)—giving it the name it has today. Bourbon coffee seeds did not leave the island until the mid-1800s, when it was introduced to Brazil, already one of the world’s premier coffee regions. Bourbon coffee was highly prized and cultivated by Brazilian farmers, then rapidly spread north into other parts of South and Central America.
Bourbon coffee is a different variety of Arabica, and is considered to be one of the most culturally and genetically important varieties of Arabica coffee in the world.
Though it shares the same name as the American whiskey, the coffee variety is usually pronounced “boor-BOHN”, which follows French pronunciation more closely.
Bourbon, like all coffee, originated in Ethiopia. It first traveled to Yemen in the 17th century. From there, French missionaries carried the seeds to Bourbon Island just east of Madagascar (now called La Réunion)—giving it the name it has today. Bourbon coffee seeds did not leave the island until the mid-1800s, when it was introduced to Brazil, already one of the world’s premier coffee regions. Bourbon coffee was highly prized and cultivated by Brazilian farmers, then rapidly spread north into other parts of South and Central America.
In 1930, some of the Bourbon plants in Brazil mutated and began to develop yellow cherries instead of red ones, becoming a new variety. The original strain is now called Red Bourbon.
Today, Bourbon coffee is grown in many regions, finally reaching Kona in the last few years. Its characteristics vary depending on where it is grown. A change in altitude, origin, or processing method can bring out dramatically different characteristics in the cup. Red Bourbon is generally recognized for its complex and full-bodied cup profile, with bright acidity and prominent sweetness.
In the hands of our local farmer, it has a unique, remarkable flavor. Lovingly planted and tended, with farm-made organic fertilizer and ideal growing conditions, our Red Bourbon is a unicorn among Kona Coffees.
Elevation: 2000 ft
Today, Bourbon coffee is grown in many regions, finally reaching Kona in the last few years. Its characteristics vary depending on where it is grown. A change in altitude, origin, or processing method can bring out dramatically different characteristics in the cup. Red Bourbon is generally recognized for its complex and full-bodied cup profile, with bright acidity and prominent sweetness.
In the hands of our local farmer, it has a unique, remarkable flavor. Lovingly planted and tended, with farm-made organic fertilizer and ideal growing conditions, our Red Bourbon is a unicorn among Kona Coffees.
Elevation: 2000 ft
